On October 15th in Kunming, the topic emerged: Train Enthusiasts Witnessing the Transformation of China’s Railways: From Chasing “Little Trains” to Riding on “Big Trains.”

Chuan Xun, a train driver, captured a powerful image of a steam locomotive hauling coal, slowly passing through the San Dao Ling region of Hami, Xinjiang. This year, on January 15th, the steam locomotive numbered 8089 was officially retired from service and stored away, marking the end of an era.

At just 22 years old, Chuan Xun has documented the last steam locomotive operating on a dedicated line in Xinjiang with his camera, showcasing magnificent scenes of its operation.

“My grandfather was a narrow-gauge train driver in his youth. I developed a fascination for trains at the age of two or three, watching as they whizzed by,” Chuan shared. Since childhood, he has had a deep love for trains. Today, he works as a train driver for the Dali Mechanical Section of the China Railway Kunming Group, steering “big trains” across the vast railway network.

In addition to being a train driver, Chuan is also a passionate photographer. During his school years, he took advantage of holiday breaks to explore various cities, including Beijing, Tianjin, and Taiyuan, capturing thousands of photos, 90% of which feature trains. Through his lens, he has chronicled the evolution of China’s railways—from narrow-gauge to standard gauge, from green train cars to red, blue, and white ones, and from the “Harmony” train to the “Revival” model, even documenting the China-Laos Railway as it crossed borders.

Chuan captures both the new and the old as a means of illustrating the changes in speed, locomotive models, and technology within China’s railway system. His photographs reveal the billowing smoke from steam locomotives, modern freight trains efficiently transporting thousands of tons of goods through rugged terrains, the warmth of slower trains, and high-speed trains racing between cities, even in inclement weather. He also highlights the historical milestones such as the first high-standard railway designed for speeds of 350 kilometers per hour and the vital connections made by the China-Laos Railway.

One of the most representative subjects in his collection is the 100-year-old Dian-Yue Railway, which wound from Kunming in Yunnan southward, crossing the sprawling mountain ranges of southern Yunnan and gracefully navigating the valleys of the Nanxi and Nanpan Rivers. The delicate arch bridge stands resiliently across the gorge, a striking contrast to the current bustling railway landscape.

“Beyond the changes in train models, the working conditions and environments for railway workers have transformed drastically compared to my grandfather’s time,” Chuan reflected. He reminisced about the cramped driver’s cabin he shared with two others, where coal had to be constantly shoveled into the furnace. After each journey, his hands would ache, his ears would ring from the roaring noise, and he would be drenched in sweat, his clothes darkened by coal dust.

While Chuan records changes in the railways, he also captures the resilience of railway workers. “It’s that indomitable spirit,” he said, noting how that same perseverance his grandfather once exhibited has been passed down to him.

In his free time, Chuan diligently reviews regulations and searches for information online. He frequently engages his mentor in discussions about locomotive operations, consistently honing his skills. When facing challenges or moments of self-doubt, he recalls his grandfather’s teachings: “The brake handle weighs a thousand pounds, and the responsibility of safety rests on your shoulders.”

“My grandfather always said that since conditions have improved, we should aim for even higher safety standards,” Chuan smiled. “If the railway workers of his generation persevered through tough times, then surely we can too.”

In just one year of work, Chuan has mastered the intricacies of his locomotive model through hard work. During his time off, he continues to seize opportunities to photograph trains, capturing both the transformations of China’s railway system and the broader changes within the country itself.